[Effect of Tiaoshen Jianpi acupuncture therapy on gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in patients with diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome].

Researchers in China studied whether a specific acupuncture approach could help people with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), a common digestive disorder causing abdominal pain and frequent loose stools. The study included 20 patients with IBS-D who received a treatment protocol called "Tiaoshen Jianpi" (regulating the mind and strengthening the spleen) acupuncture, along with 20 healthy volunteers for comparison. Patients received acupuncture at seven points including Baihui (top of the head), Yintang (between the eyebrows), Tianshu (abdomen), Shangjuxu and Zusanli (lower leg), Sanyinjiao (inner ankle), and Taichong (foot). Treatment sessions occurred three times weekly for six weeks. The results showed significant improvements in IBS symptoms. After treatment, patients reported less abdominal pain, fewer days with pain, better satisfaction with bowel movements, and less interference with daily life. The researchers also examined stool samples and found interesting changes in gut bacteria. Before treatment, IBS-D patients had different bacterial populations compared to healthy people, with less diverse gut microbiomes. After acupuncture, the bacterial balance shifted closer to that of healthy individuals, with increased diversity and reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids (natural compounds produced by gut bacteria). This suggests that acupuncture may work partly by restoring a healthier balance of gut bacteria. While this small study shows promise, larger research is needed to confirm these findings. If you're considering acupuncture for IBS-D, seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist experienced in digestive disorders.

This prospective study evaluated Tiaoshen Jianpi acupuncture protocol in 20 IBS-D patients compared to 20 healthy controls. Treatment consisted of needling GV 20, GV 29, ST 25, ST 37, ST 36, SP 6, and LR 3, administered three times weekly for six weeks. Primary outcome measures included IBS-SSS scores, 16S rRNA sequencing for gut microbiota analysis, and HPLC quantification of fecal SCFAs. Post-treatment, all IBS-SSS subscales showed statistically significant reductions (P<0.05). Microbiome analysis revealed that pre-treatment dysbiosis (elevated Firmicutes, reduced Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, decreased Shannon index, increased Simpson index) normalized after acupuncture, approaching healthy control patterns (P<0.05 for all measures). Fecal SCFA content significantly decreased post-treatment (P<0.05). Findings suggest this acupuncture protocol may ameliorate IBS-D symptoms through modulation of gut microbiota composition and diversity, alongside reduced SCFA production. The small sample size and lack of sham control limit generalizability. Clinical application should target spleen-deficiency patterns with associated mental-emotional components.